Page 31 of The Seaside Cocktail Campervan

‘Hah, no, I think having Papa’s name there is enough. Anyway, what about you?’

He quirked an eyebrow.

‘Your surname?’

‘Ah … Anderson, Jack Anderson. Just kind of normal too.’

‘It has a ring to it. And “Jack’s Cocktail Campervan” – now, that really does have a ring to it. Good name. So, when did it all start … and how?’

Jack paused, a distant look crossing his face as he seemed to be thinking back. ‘Oh blimey, it was about four years ago now … Needed to break out and do something different. I’d been travelling a bit, after giving up on uni, working a few bars as I went. There was this great cocktail bar on the beach in Vietnam, that kind of stuck in my mind. The bartender, Sammy, was such a cool guy. I got some great tips and experience just from watching him.’ He smiled as he remembered. ‘Then I came back to the UK, picked up a few casual jobs – restaurants, bars and the like – put in all sorts of hours. I suppose I was learning the ropes. I even did a mixology course; that was great fun. Ended up as manager in the Gatehouse Bistro, in Alnwick. And over time, I came to realise that I wanted to do something for me. My own business. I went down to a festival in Leeds around that same time, and there were all sorts of these mobile food and drink businesses, but back then there was nothing much like it around here. I saw the potential.’ He took a sip of lager. ‘Then, I saw Ruby advertised on Sales and Wants – she was a bit of a wreck when I went to look at her, mind you. But that was it … the two things sparked off in my mind, and I knew I just had to buy her and give it a try. The rest, as they say, is history.’

‘Wow, and it’s worked out for you?’

‘Yeah, I’m doing well financially, and more than that, I love the way of life, the freedom it gives me. I never feel tied down.’

Lucy nodded. It was a different way of working, of living, she was learning that fast. The uncertainties were always there, but it had its plus sides. Not being tied to a desk or an office or a grumpy boss was a big part of that.

The next hour rolled lazily by, as they found themselves chatting easily about all sorts. The Morpeth Mule was long gone, but the taste still lingered. Lucy glanced at her watch. Crikey, it was nearly 4 p.m.! Where had the day gone?

‘Well, this has been great. Thank you, Jack. I’m so glad we bumped into each other.’

‘Yeah, me too.’ He gave her a broad smile.

She could see a smattering of freckles coming out across the bridge of his nose. His skin already a golden tan. His hair looked blonder than she remembered; maybe it was the summer sun streaking it. He looked a typical surfer dude, an outdoorsy kind of guy.

She realised she’d been staring. He was gazing right back at her.

‘Right then,’ she announced, getting up quickly and feeling the alcohol whizz a little through her veins, making her slightly heady. Lucy gave Daisy a gentle prod, stirring her from her Sunday afternoon slumber.

‘Yeah, suppose I’d better get on and back up the road too.’ Jack stood up, collecting up his bottle. ‘Only leave footprints,’ he said.

‘Oh, yes, absolutely.’

They reached the campervan and Jack loaded the chairs inside, then reached to take Lucy’s empty tin mug which she’d carried back up with her. Their fingertips brushed as he did so, zipping a surprise jolt of electricity through her.

‘She’s a real beauty,’ Lucy said, quickly switching focus, to admire the gleaming exterior of the vintage campervan.

‘She is indeed,’ Jack beamed proudly. ‘Hey, do you want to hitch a ride? Take a quick cruise along the coast?’

‘Umm …’

Lucy had to admit she was curious. Ruby, the campervan, always looked so wonderful. She’d love to try her out.

‘Okay then – yeah, why not? Just a quick spin. I’ve probably taken up far too much of your time already.’

‘Ah, it’s no problem. I love showing off my best girl.’ With that, he swung open the passenger door for Lucy.

She clocked that, unusually, it seemed to be on the wrong side.

‘She’s a left-hand drive classic. Ruby has German heritage, you know. You’re not the only one with exotic roots.’ He grinned, ‘Jump on board!’

Ruby started up with a chug then a whirr, and they set off on the coast road, diverting inland for a countryside spin, then taking the route seawards again. Winding through the lanes, past fields of crops now tinged with gold and swaying in the light breeze, the blue of the sea glimpsed through a gap in the hedgerow every now and then.

‘It’s the original dashboard and everything,’ Jack was proud to share his pride and joy, as Lucy took in the three circular dials in front of them. ‘Mind you, that does mean there’re no mod-cons … like air conditioning,’ he explained.

‘Hey, no worries.’

It was getting a little warm in there.